Close to 30 local businesses paid their delinquent occupational taxes in response to a letter hand-delivered by the City of Lincolnton August 1, stating that a 10-percent penalty had been added to the licensing fee.

The announcement was made at the regular meeting of the Lincolnton City Council held Monday, August 6.

The decision to send the letters to delinquent taxpayers was made at the July meeting of the mayor and council.

The remaining 16 merchants have until August 31 to pay their taxes. If they have not complied, a citation for violation of the city ordinance will be issued.

In other business, the council voted to call for an election to fill the city council seats of Chuck Beggs (Post 1); Robert Glaze (Post 2); and Dwain Moss (Post 3).

Qualifying will be held Monday, August 27, through Wednesday, August 29, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at City Hall. The fee is $36.

The election is set for November 6.

In further business, the council:

.. Discussed a situation in which neighbors are complaining about an individual operating a business out of his home. It was agreed that Barry Fleming, city attorney, will review the city ordinances and recommend a course of action to the council.

.. Heard a presentation on the codification of city ordinances made by Faye Creel, a sales and marketing representative for the Municipal Code Corporation (MCC) of Tallahassee, Florida.

She indicated that the company will charge a base rate of $7,500 to codify the city's ordinances. The cost includes the receipt and organization of materials as well as a legal review of the city's existing ordinances by a staff attorney to uncover conflicts with other local and state laws.

After the ordinances have been codified, the city will receive 20 copies of the code book, which will be updated by MCC on an "as needed" basis.

The council will take Creel's proposal under consideration and more than likely award a contract for codification at the next council meeting.

.. Heard the Water Department Report given by Superintendent Stanley Parton, who noted that total water production increased a little over one million gallons in July, climbing from 13.94 mg (million gallons) in June to 15 mg in July.

.. Heard an update from Mayor Dwaine Biggerstaff on the progress that has been made on the renovation project at the Lincolnton Clubhouse.

He stated that for the most part, the handicapped-accessible bathrooms have been completed. "However, we still have to install some light fixtures, ceiling fans, and new window treatments; finish the floors; remodel the kitchen; purchase new tables and chairs; pressure wash the building; and do some landscaping," he explained.

The mayor went on to say that workers found some rotten wood when refinishing the floor in the main part of the building, and the city looking at using some of the pine paneling to remedy the situation.

"We've already received a lot of positive comments," said Mayor Biggerstaff. "We will have a first-class facility when we're finished."

.. Voted to grant a continuation of an alcoholic beverage license to M.D. Islam, who is leasing Fast Trip #3. The temporary permit will expire December 31, 2007.

.. Voted to accept the high bid of $460, submitted by Gary Norman, for a 1985 Chevrolet S-10 pickup.

.. Discussed obtaining proposals from local businesses for the yearround upkeep of shrubs in the city. Those interested in submitting a proposal may contact City Hall at 706- 359-3239.

.. Voted to enter into executive session to discuss legal matters. The group took no action upon returning to regular session.

The next regular meeting of the mayor and council will be held Monday, September 10, at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.